Orthotic cycle saddle

Abstract

An anatomically conforming cycle saddle having a compound surface including an elongated horn section transitioning rearwardly into a laterally flared, raised cantle. A perineum/genital groove is symmetrically disposed along the longitudinal axis of the generally horizontally upper horn surface as seen in plan view. The cantle, having an angle of inclination in the range of 35°-55°, preferably 45°, includes a pair of opposed, bilaterally symmetrical, inclined dished surfaces, and has a generally triangular, bilaterally symmetrical, raised, inclined coccyx support member disposed centrally and rearwardly therebetween. The concavity of the dished surfaces begin in the forward-most horizontal part of the cantle and extend deeply in the central portion of the cantle, inclining to vertical at the rearward cantle lip. The upper surface of the coccyx support member is inclined at an angle of about 30° to the horizontal, and transitions smoothly with the cantle lip and adjacent steeply inclined inside areas of the dished surfaces at its rearward, widely flared, elevated end and with the pelvic arch ridge at its forward, narrow, lower end. The pelvic arch ridge then transitions smoothly into the generally horizontal upper horn surface. In the preferred best mode, the coccyx supprt member is defined by a slightly concave-up top surface and steep, rearwardly and outwardly flared side surfaces. All of the defined zones are smoothly flared into each other via intermediate transition zones.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A cycle saddle comprising: a shell having a single, compound upper seating surface, said seating surface including a forwardly disposed horn member having a generally horizontal upper surface and a rearwardly disposed laterally flaring cantle thrust plate member, the cantle thrust plate member including means, defining a pair of forwardly facing bilateral concavities matching the rise to near vertical portion of the right and left rear ischii of a rider when seated upon said shell, for providing bilateral anatomic support for the ruse to near vertical potion of the right and left ischium including corresponding musculature and tissue, said concavities rising above the generally horizontal upper horn surface;   means defining a forwardly projecting central coccyx support member raised above the generally horizontal upper horn surface, located between said forwardly facing raised bilateral concavities, for supporting the coccyx of the rider and preventing the forward facing concavities from intersecting the coccyx, said central coccyx support member comprises a substantially flat plane having an inclination in the range of about 25 degrees to about 45 degrees relative to said upper horn surface.   
     
     
       2. A cycle saddle as in claim 1 wherein said upper surface of said coccyx support member is slightly concave in a downward direction. 
     
     
       3. A cycle saddle as in claim 2 wherein said cantle member includes means, defining a rearwardly disposed continuous cantle ridge immediately aft of said concave surfaces and a rearward end of said coccyx support area, for providing transverse support to said cantle, the latter being subjected to repeated cycles of great force due to rearward pelvic thrust. 
     
     
       4. A cycle saddle as in claim 3 wherein said cantle member has an angle of inclination of about 45° and said cantle ridge has a top-most point in the range from about 1 inch to about 3 inches above said horizontal upper surface of said horn. 
     
     
       5. Cycle saddle as in claim 4 wherein a forward end of said concavities surfaces are located about 3.5 inches to about 4 inches from a rearward most point of said shell uppermost rearward margins, said concavities are disposed adjacent said cantle ridge spaced about 1/2 inch from the rearward most point of said saddle; and said concavities have surfaces with a total dish height ranging from about 1" to about 3.5", wherein said dish height is the vertical distance from a forward end to said uppermost rearward margins of said concave surface. 
     
     
       6. A cycle saddle as in claim 5 wherein said shell is fabricated from a material having means, defining the density and thickness thereof, for providing a preselected amount of flexure. 
     
     
       7. A cycle saddle as in claim 6 wherein said shell is fabricated from an injection molded plastic in a monocoque construction. 
     
     
       8. A cycle saddle as in claim 7 further comprising a saddle cover adapted to fit over said cycle saddle, and padding means for providing additional comfort and protection in order to accommodate riders having varying pelvic structures, riding styles and riding positional preferences. 
     
     
       9. A cycle saddle as in claim 8 wherein said cover comprises a stretchable cloth material. 
     
     
       10. A cycle saddle as in claim 9 wherein said cover comprises lycra. 
     
     
       11. A cycle saddle as in claim 9 wherein said cover comprises vinyl.